Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects of whey protein and Spirulina in rats

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the antioxidant, radical scavenging, and metal-chelating activity of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and Spirulina alone or in combination in vitro and to evaluate their hepatoprotective effects against CCl4 in vivo. Methods: Five concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/100 mL) of WPC, Spirulina, and their combination were tested in vitro. In the in vivo study, eight groups of male rats comprised the control group and the groups treated with WPC, Spirulina alone, or in combination with or without CCl4 were used. Results: The in vitro study showed that WPC and Spirulina showed antioxidant, radical scavenging, and metal-chelating activities in dose-dependent manner. The in vivo study showed that both agents succeeded in preventing liver damage induced by CCl4. This prevention was more pronounced in rats receiving the combination of WPC and Spirulina. Conclusion: Whey protein concentrate and Spirulina have free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant activity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.